LEWISTON — St. Mary’s Food Pantry will hold the annual “Pack the Bus” event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Shaw’s supermarkets in Auburn and Lewiston.

A school bus will be in front of each store to hold collected food, which will be given to needy families in Auburn and Lewiston.

St. Mary’s is collecting food to feed hungry families, including the children who live in poverty. The need is even greater this year due to recent cuts to the federal SNAP (food stamps) program, which primarily serves families with children, seniors and people with disabilities.

On Nov. 23, shoppers are encouraged to purchase an extra jar of peanut butter, box of pasta, canned good, or any nonperishable food item and place it in the collection bins at Shaw’s to be placed on the buses. Shoppers are also welcome to make a cash donation to any food pantry volunteers that day.

Donations allow the pantry to purchase food at a reduced rate through the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Donations can be made any time to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, PO Box 7291, Lewiston, ME 04243.

For more information, contact the St. Mary’s Development Office at 777-8863.